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Aug. 14, 1928 mama F. ROSENTHAL V BOTTLE CAP AND DISEENSING ST EAW FiledSept. 5, 1926 Fig.1. Fig.2. 3 W

v 35 Qua/m g j) eeann Y erur orriceo FRANK'ROSEN'IHAL, OF NEW YORK, N.Y.

BOTTLE oar'enn DISPENSING 'STRAW.

Application filed September 3, 1926; Serial N0.-133,389.

This invention relates generally to fluid containers and moreparticularly to the association therewith of a member through which thefluid can be withdrawn.

The principal object of the invention is the provision of aninstrumentality adapted to accompany the container whereby its contentsmay be consumed or imbibed in a convenient and sanitary manner. Fluids,such as soda, beer and the like, are frequently dispensed in bottlesprovided with what is known as a crown cap as a hermetical seal for thebottle. Such caps generally comprise a metal shell adapted to be crimpedover a bead formed about .the mouth of the bottle and a corksealing'disk within the shell.

In the ordinary sale of soda and the like at roadside stands, forinstance, a bottle is frequently served to a patron with the cap removedand accompanied by a paper drinking cup or with one ormore drinkingstraws whereby the contents may be withdrawn and consumed. Often in theinterest of sanitation the straws are enclosed, individually or inpairs, within a paper casing prior to use.

According to my invention, the straw and metallic closure hithertoemployed are so constructed and associated that the straw can be sealedas the bottle is sealed within the metallic closure that upon removingthe closure, the straw will be made available to use. In this manner, Inot only obtain the advantages which obviously follow from thearrangements set forth, but in addition, eliminate the straw as a factorby separate handling, packaging and shipping. Furthermore, the straw isfully protected against handling by anybody except that person whodrinks from the bottle with which the straw is associated.

For the attainment of these objects, and such objects as may hereinafterappear or be pointed out, I have illustrated embodiments of 'myinvention in the drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a view, in side elevation, show-,

Figure. 4 is a view showing a modified manner of compacting the straw. YFigure 5 is a side elevational view partly in section showing afragmentary portion of the mouth of a fluid container, in this instancea bottle neck, to which a closure ac cording to the present inventionhas been applied, a coiled straw being illustrated as disposed withinthe receiving recess;

Figure 6 is a top view of the crown cap shown in Figure 5, a portion ofthe top of the receiver being removed to show a drinking straw disposedtherewithin.

' Referring first to Figure 5, there is there illustrated the neck a ofa bottle, serving as the fluid container, which bottle is formed aboutits mouth a with a bead a over which a metal crown cap I) may becrimped. As usually constructed the cap I) is formed with a flat surfaceto overlie the Walls of the mouth and clamp therebetween a disk 0 'whichseals the joint between the cap and bottle and prevents the entrance ofair or the escape of the fluid contents and in addition seals the metalcap against contact with the fluid contents of the bottle.

The present invention seeks to associate able only as and when thebottle is unsealed for consumption of the contents. In accordance withthe embodiment herein illustrated a recess or receiving space 6 isprovided in the closure by pressing outwardly a portion of the topsurface of the cap to form the end face 6 and the side walls I), thereremaining sufficient surface I) to clamp the sealing disc 0.

While any means for imbibing the fluid content of the container may beavailed of, provided such means is capable of contraction into thereceiving space 6 it is preferred to take advantage of the characteristics of a drinking tube or straw which is capable of being flattened andcoiled or otherwise laid upon itself to occupy little space. In theillustrated embodiment the straw 03 shown in Figure 1 in side elevationis formed of a helically wound strip of a fibrous material, although anyother material capable of permitting the straw to be collapsed isequally serviceable. The straw is then flattened, as shown in Figure 2,to

have two superposed parallel sides and is then laid upon itself by beingcoiled or wound spirally as seen in Figure 3 or given an accordion foldas de icted with the loops somewhat separated in igure 4. The compactstraw is then placed within the recess 6 of a crown cap I) and thesealing disk 0 placed thereover to retain the straw in place and preventthe fluid from affecting the same. The cap is then ready to be placed inposition as a closure for the mouth of the bottle as illustrated inFigure 5.

To make use of the invention, the cap is first removed from the bottleby the usual opener. The sealing disk is then removed from the capthereby permitting the extraction of the straw. It will be found thatthe straw may be easily straightened and caused to assume itscylindrical form when it can be inserted in the bottle and the contentsthereof withdrawn therethrough.

It will thus be seen that a convenient arrangement has been providedwherein the drinking tube or straw virtually is eliminated as a factorin handling, shipping, etc., until it is actually to be used, when it ismade automatically availableupon opening the bottle.

Various modifications may be made in the configuration and compositionof the means for imbibing fiuid as well as in the receiver therefor andalso in the manner of its association with any kind of closure for afluid container and no limitation is intended by the phraseold'gy of theforegoing description or illustrations in the accompanying drawingsexcept as indicated in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claimas new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. The combination with a sealing means 4. A closure for a containercomprising,

in combination, a metal cap formed with a receiver, a sealing discadapted to close the receiver and a drinking tube flattened and laidupon itself and disposed within the receiver.

5. A closure for the mouth of a bottle comprising, in combination, ametal cap formed with an outwardly pressed receiver, a sealing disknormally closing the receiver and a flattened andfolded drinking tubedisposed within the receiver. a

6. A closure for the mouth of a bottle comprising, in combination, ametal cap formed with an outwardly pressed receiver,

a sealing disk normally closing the receiver and a drinking tubeflattened and coiled and disposed within the receiver.

7. A closure for a container comprising, in combination, a metal cappressed outwardly to form a receiver, a sealing disc normally closingthe receiver and means within the receiver to imbibe the contents of thecontainer.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto signed my name.

FRANK ROSENTHAL.

